The OBAP ACE Academy marked the culmination of an immersive experience for 40 students, ages 13 to 18, who spent the week exploring the vast world of aviation and aerospace.

Co-sponsored by the FAA and the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees, the ACE (Aerospace Career Education) Academy is designed to introduce middle and high school students to the fundamentals of flight, aviation history, air traffic control, maintenance, aircraft design, drones, and more. The program featured hands-on field trips to aviation facilities, including CBP Conroe, United Airlines maintenance hangars, air traffic control towers, Lone Star Flight Museum, Space Center Houston, and CommutAir, giving students an up-close view of aviation careers in action.

The final day—Graduation and Fly Day—was a celebration of knowledge, passion, and future potential. Students took part in their first flights with Certified Flight Instructors and were recognized for their engagement and growth throughout the program. Galaxy FBO was honored to provide a welcoming venue for this milestone moment, where students, families, mentors, and aviation professionals gathered to celebrate the next generation of aerospace talent.

Investing in the Future of Flight
As part of Galaxy FBO’s ongoing commitment to aviation education, workforce development, and community engagement, we are proud to support programs like OBAP’s ACE Academy. Events like these not only offer exposure to the possibilities within the aviation industry but also help bridge the opportunity gap for underrepresented youth in aerospace.

To learn more about OBAP and the ACE Academy, visit obap.org.

Photo Credit: Kelsey Davis

This full-day seminar—hosted by Coats Aviation Law, PC, a recognized leader in business aviation law—is tailored for aircraft owners, flight departments, operators, and business aviation service providers. Attendees will receive actionable legal insights on the most pressing topics impacting aviation professionals today.

Seminar Highlights:

This industry-focused seminar is free for current STXBAA members and just $70 for non-members. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, making it an informative and engaging networking opportunity for Houston’s growing aviation community.

Galaxy FBO is more than just an award-winning fixed base operation—our facility in Conroe North Houston Regional Airport (CXO) serves as a hub for aviation professionals, hosting high-level industry events that advance safety, compliance, and innovation in business aviation.

Event Sponsors:

Seating is limited, early registration is encouraged

REGISTRATION

This year, Galaxy FBO at Addison Airport (ADS) earned a spot among the Top 10 U.S. FBOs, ranking #4 nationwide with an impressive overall score of 9.63. The score reflects high performance across six essential service categories: Line Team, Customer Service Representatives (CSRs), Facility, Amenities, Promptness & Efficiency, and Value for Price.

In addition to this individual location honor, Galaxy FBO was once again named the #1 Small FBO Chain (3–10 locations)—marking its third consecutive year earning this top distinction in 2023, 2024, and 2025. With an exceptional chain-wide score of 9.68, Galaxy FBO continues to set the standard for excellence across its three locations: Addison (ADS), Conroe (CXO), and Houston Hobby (HOU).

KHOU Team
KADS Team

The Professional Pilot PRASE (Preferences Regarding Aviation Services and Equipment) Survey, now in its 52nd year, is one of the most trusted benchmarks in the business aviation industry. In 2025, more than 8,000 individual evaluations were submitted by qualified operators, scoring FBOs on the core elements that matter most to pilots, dispatchers, and flight departments.

Galaxy FBO’s continued presence at the top of the rankings is a testament to its relentless focus on customer service, operational excellence, and facility innovation. Whether you’re flying to Greater Houston or Dallas Metroplex – Galaxy FBO provides a seamless and elevated ground experience.

PRASE SURVEY RESULTS

An FAA Part 139 airport is a certificated airport in the United States that meets the safety and operational standards outlined in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 139. These regulations are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and are primarily focused on airports that serve commercial air carrier operations using aircraft with more than 30 passenger seats. Airports must be Part 139 certificated if they serve scheduled / unscheduled commercial operations using aircraft with more than 30 seats, and if they want to qualify for certain types of federal funding through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

Becoming an FAA Part 139 certificated airport would offer several strategic advantages to Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport (CXO)—especially given its growing role in general and business aviation.

Economic Growth

Part 139 certification signals that the airport meets rigorous federal safety and operational standards. This can boost CXO’s reputation with charter operators, corporate flight departments, insurance providers. It essentially adds another layer of trust and professionalism to CXO’s growing profile. Part 139 certification positions CXO to support larger, scheduled commercial operations.

A certificated airport is more appealing to aviation-related businesses and commercial developers, which could lead to increased property values and tax base expansion.

By supporting potential commercial or regional air service, CXO could boost tourism to Montgomery County, attract more conferences and corporate travelers and improve access for companies headquartered locally. This increases spending at hotels, restaurants, retail, and transportation providers throughout the region. As Montgomery County continues to grow, Part 139 certification would reinforce CXO’s role as a critical economic engine, not just for aviation, but for regional mobility and resilience. It would help diversify the local economy beyond oil & gas, real estate, and healthcare by anchoring it in aerospace and transportation infrastructure.

With Part 139 status, CXO becomes eligible for larger and more frequent FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants and potentially TxDOT aviation funding. These funds reduce the burden on local taxpayers while supporting capital improvements that enhance safety and capacity.

Improved Safety

FAA Part 139 certification significantly enhances the overall safety framework of an airport by establishing strict operational standards that must be continuously met and maintained. For Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport (CXO), certification would ensure dedicated Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) capabilities, enforce rigorous inspection and maintenance protocols for runways and taxiways, and require comprehensive emergency response planning and wildlife hazard management. These measures create a safer environment for aircraft operators, passengers, and airport personnel, while also aligning CXO with national best practices and increasing its ability to respond effectively to both routine and emergency situations.

FAA Part 139 Will Help CXO & Montgomery County.

While the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex is served by four FAA Part 139 airports, the Greater Houston area has only three—with none located in the fast-growing North Houston region. This highlights a significant opportunity for Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport (CXO) to fill a geographic and operational gap in the region’s aviation infrastructure.

In Summary, FAA Part 139 certification at CXO would unlock new levels of economic opportunity for Montgomery County—supporting jobs, investment, connectivity, and long-term growth. It’s more than a regulatory step—it’s a strategic move for the county’s future.

At Galaxy FBO, our commitment to providing premier service on the ground is matched only by our passion for aviation. That commitment was recently recognized when Chayston Crawford, a Line Service Technician at our Conroe North Houston Regional Airport (CXO) location, received a NetJets Challenge Coin—a symbol of excellence awarded only to those who deliver an exceptional experience.

What Is the NetJets Challenge Coin?

In the world of business aviation, few accolades carry as much day-to-day meaning as the NetJets Challenge Coin. Presented directly by NetJets flight crews, these coins are awarded as a personal gesture of appreciation for outstanding performance, professionalism, and attention to detail. Whether it’s flawless handling of an aircraft arrival, a thoughtful assist with ground transportation, or proactive safety procedures—receiving a NetJets coin signals you’ve made a lasting impression. NetJets, the world’s largest private jet fractional operator, holds its partners to the highest operational standards. Only a select few FBO team members across the country have earned this honor. At Galaxy FBO, we’re proud to share that over a dozen of our team members have been recognized by NetJets with this coin—a testament to our culture of excellence and service.

Chayston Crawford with his new NetJets Challenge Coin

While working full-time as a technician on our Line Service team, Chayston is also pursuing a degree in aviation management. His passion for aviation shines through in his work—whether it’s fueling aircraft, coordinating ramp movements, or going above and beyond to make NetJets crews and passengers feel welcome and safe. Receiving a NetJets Challenge Coin from a Citation Longitude Crew is a major milestone in his young career, and one that we’re incredibly proud to celebrate.

We visited your FBO late on the evening of Wednesday April 2, 2025. We flew in on N825QS. We’re a Netjets Longitude. Upon arrival we were met by one of your line techs, Chayston Crawford, who was staying late awaiting our arrival. As it was near 11pm, we were unsure if we could get a ride share to our hotel. Without hesitation, Chayston told us if we had any problems, he would drive us to where we needed to go. In addition, Chayston could not have been more helpful in helping us secure the plane and attending to everything we needed. On arrival the following morning, we were again met by Chayston who remembered us and could not have been more helpful in helping us move and prepare the plane for our trip. At every move, Chayston was happy to help and he’s a great reflection on your FBO! I’ve been at Netjets for 19 years and I can say without hesitation that the service we received from Chayston and everyone there was the best I’ve experienced. Your FBO is one of the nicest and cleanest ones I’ve been in as well! We were both very impressed. Each pilot @ Netjets is given challenge coins to recognize outstanding service when we see it. I was happy to award Chayston with a coin yesterday morning and I let my Chief Pilot know as well.

NetJets Captain David Gross.

A Preferred FBO for NetJets in North Houston

Galaxy FBO is a preferred partner for NetJets operations in North Houston. We undergo regular audits and consistently exceed NetJets’ stringent safety and service criteria. From rapid turnarounds to impeccable ramp coordination, our team is trusted to handle the needs of one of the most prestigious flight departments in the world. Located just north of Houston, Galaxy FBO at Conroe North Houston Regional Airport offers a combination of award-winning service, first-class amenities, and unmatched ramp-side hospitality. We’re proud to serve NetJets and every operator that touches down on our ramp with the same precision, care, and “attitude of absolutely.”

At Galaxy FBO, we know that meaningful recognition isn’t earned overnight—it’s built through consistent, quality service and a genuine passion for aviation. Chayston’s coin is a proud moment not just for him, but for our entire team. It reminds us why we do what we do, and how the small moments—like a well-executed arrival or a warm welcome on a rainy day—can make a big difference.

Congratulations, Chayston—and thank you, NetJets, for continuing to recognize excellence.

Galaxy FBO is honored to share that our Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport (CXO) location has been ranked within the Top 5% of all FBOs in North America in the newly released AIN 2025 FBO Survey. With an overall score of 4.71, Galaxy CXO continues to be recognized for our unwavering commitment to service, safety, and hospitality.

This marks a significant year-over-year gain, building on our strong performance in the 2024 AIN FBO Survey, where Galaxy FBO CXO earned a 4.64 rating—placing us among the Top 10% at that time. The jump in rankings underscores the consistent enhancements we’ve made in customer service, amenities, and line operations.

Our Addison (KADS) location also maintained a strong standing in the Top 10%, reinforcing Galaxy FBO’s reputation for excellence across our growing network.

Consistently High Scores Across Key Categories

Aviation International News readers evaluate hundreds of aircraft handling facilities on a 1 to 5 scale in five categories: line service, passenger amenities, pilot amenities, facilities, and customer service representatives. To attain the highest overall rankings, an FBO must exhibit excellence across all five categories in the eyes of its AIN readers.

Galaxy FBO CXO received high marks in all five categories surveyed in 2025:

Our focus on hospitality, efficiency, and attention to detail has helped us earn the trust of the aviation community – from corporate flight departments and crews to owner-operators..

Our Promise to You

In a special highlight this year, Lisa Peterson, our FBO Experience Manager at Galaxy ADS, was recognized by AIN’s 2025 survey for going “Above & Beyond” in the field of customer service. Lisa’s commitment to anticipating needs, personalizing every arrival, and delivering memorable guest experiences embodies the very heart of Galaxy’s mission—and her recognition is a proud moment for our entire team.

The AIN FBO survey recognition is a reflection of the dedication our team brings every day to every flight. Whether it’s a quick tech stop, an overnight hangar stay, or a cross-country departure, Galaxy FBO provides a consistently elevated experience, tailored to the unique needs of every flight.

We thank our customers, pilots, schedulers, and dispatchers for their continued trust and feedback – and we look forward to continuing to raise the bar.

Galaxy FBO CXO Team Members: Lauren – Customer Service Representative, Maria – Operations Manager and Blake – Line Service Technician.

Since 1981, Aviation International News has been ranking FBOs worldwide among qualified subscribers; pilots, flight attendants, and dispatchers the people who use or make arrangements. Today, a comprehensive list of over 4,500 FBOs worldwide are ranked in the AIN FBO Survey. 

AIN FBO SURVEY RESULTS

Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office recently introduced a vital new addition to the Conroe/North Houston Regional Airport. 

The AR-1, KME Force 1500 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle is designed for rapid response to aircraft emergencies. The AR-1 can hold and spray 1,500 gallons of water and 200 gallons of firefighting foam, ensuring the highest level of safety for airport operations.

KME (Kovatch Mobile Equipment) ARFF trucks are known for their custom-engineered designs, high-performance firefighting capabilities, and versatility in handling aircraft emergencies. Manufactured in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, KME has a long history of building custom fire apparatus, and their production facility specializes in designing and assembling firefighting vehicles for municipal, industrial, and aviation use. The Nesquehoning facility is known for its precision engineering, advanced manufacturing processes, and rigorous quality control, ensuring that each ARFF truck meets FAA, NFPA, and ICAO safety standards.

As one of only four airports in the Greater Houston area with ARFF capabilities—alongside George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU), and Ellington Airport (EFD)—Conroe/North Houston Regional Airport reinforces its commitment to safety, ensuring it remains a top destination for business and general aviation. The KME Force 1500 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle replaces the Oshkosh P-19, which has been in service at CXO since 2015.

“The ARFF truck is critical for the airport’s safety and ensures compliance with aviation safety standards,” said Airport Director James Brown. Montgomery County leaders emphasized the importance of this addition to the airport’s infrastructure. Precinct 1 Commissioner Robert Walker stated that the new ARFF vehicle “will be a great addition to the safety of our airport.” County Judge Mark Keough echoed this sentiment, noting that “as the airport continues to grow and aircraft traffic increases, this truck will keep passengers and crew safe while helping attract additional tenants.”

As CXO expands and welcomes more aviation activity, the introduction of the AR-1 reinforces the airport’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and preparedness.

HOUSTON, TX, September 26, 2024 – Lilium (NASDAQ: LILM), a leading electric aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), is today debuting the Lilium Jet, the world’s first fully electric jet that can take off and land vertically, to the U.S. market. The Lilium Jet is designed and optimized for regional travel with an aerodynamic shape and ducted electric fans that prioritize efficiency and speed during forward flight. With an anticipated initial operating range of roughly 110 miles, the Lilium Jet will be capable of quickly connecting Houstonians to the broader region, with routes like Houston Hobby Airport to Galveston, Houston Spaceport to College Station, The Woodlands to Galveston, and others. Galaxy FBO’s Houston-area facilities at Houston Hobby, Conroe North Houston Regional Airport, and The Woodlands Heliport will be key infrastructure for Lilium Jet operators in the Houston area.

Jeremy Gee, CEO of Galaxy FBO, said: “We are excited to transform Galaxy FBO into a cutting-edge hub for the eVTOL innovation. As the future of electric aviation takes flight, this marks a significant step in making Houston a leader in sustainable and efficient transportation solutions. Our team is proud to support Lilium’s revolutionary mode of travel that will connect Greater Houston in ways never thought possible.”

Houston-based EMCJET has secured production slots from Lilium as part of a broader partnership agreement and is poised to be involved in the first round of customer deliveries starting in 2026. Memo Montemayor, Founder & CEO of EMCJET, said, “Our clients want to own the future of aviation and, with our partnership with Lilium, they can do just that. With a spacious cabin, luxurious finishes, and vertical takeoff and landing capability, the Lilium Jet meets our clients’ needs to travel safely, sustainably, and comfortably.”

To showcase the transformative potential of the Lilium Jet and the broader electric aviation landscape, Galaxy FBO and Lilium collaborated with Greater Houston Partnership, the region’s largest chamber of commerce. The well-attended, invitation only event hosted at Galaxy FBO’s Houston William P. Hobby Airport hangars featuring the Lilium Jet featured industry leaders on expert panel, helped spark discussion with policymakers in attendance. Kevin Tipton, Senior Director for Aerospace & Aviation at the Greater Houston Partnership, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration, stating, “Houston is home to the world’s leading aerospace companies, and we’re thrilled to welcome Lilium and this next generation of aviation technology. Together, we’re on the brink of something groundbreaking for our region.”

Greater Houston Partnership Expert Panel Discussing Future of Aviation in Houston.

Matthew Broffman, Lilium’s VP of Commercial, Americas said, “Lilium is serious about expanding in the U.S. and actively progressing towards FAA validation. As part of our commitment to working with communities across the U.S. and expanding our customer base, we’re excited to showcase our aircraft for the first time in Houston, a city with a proud legacy of aerospace innovation in America.”

Next month, the Lilium Jet will be displayed at the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas. Lilium is preparing for its first piloted flight of the Lilium Jet in early 2025. 

The US market will likely have a pilot shortage, over 30,000 regional pilots by 2030s. One factor creating the pilot shortage is the FAA-mandated retirement age. The only way to keep the airline’s flight line staffed is by hiring as many new pilots as those retiring. The issue is even more pressing because many pilots took early retirement during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This reduced an already shrinking workforce greatly, and the aviation industry wound up bouncing back quicker than early estimates predicted it would. 

It’s now more common for airline pilots to come from a civilian path, paying their way through flight school and becoming commercial pilots. Most will work as a flight instructor while building enough flight time to be eligible for the ATP certificate. Mainline airlines nearly always recruit pilots from these smaller carriers, so the regionals are left scrambling to find new hires. Most pilots consider a position at a regional carrier to be a stepping stone toward a mainline airline, so they’re more than happy to move up if the opportunity presents itself. Retaining pilots is especially difficult for regionals, who must rely on a steady flow of pilots leaving flight school.

Thrust Flight is a proprietary educational institution offering a variety of aviation training courses. Its purpose is to train students to be safe, confident, and disciplined aviators – not just “pilots.” The Thrust career programs are targeted to prepare graduates to gain entry level positions as flight crew personnel and/or flight instructors through education and training that meets or exceeds guidelines as set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration and industry standards. Effective communication and professionalism are stressed in every course offered. Thrust Flight offers extensive education and training in the classroom, in approved flight simulation devices, and in modern aircraft. Instructors are highly qualified professionals fully credentialed by the FAA.

Thrust Flight use fully motion Redbird Simulators and brand new Piper Archers for its Addison and Conroe locations. Each aircraft features full glass cockpits, G-1000 avionics, and air conditioning.

What sets us apart from other flight schools mainly is the culture and atmosphere. Thrust is more of a family where everyone supports and encourages one another. These other pilot factory flight schools are just that, pilot factories that are quite impersonal. There you are just a number and not a member of the family. At Thrust, we spend a ton of time in group ground school settings. Training looks like this…2-3 hours of group ground schooling and 2-3 hours of flying 5-6 days per week. Some days it’s one or the other and some days it’s both. Actually most big box “pilot factory” flight schools send you home with books and materials and it’s mostly self-study so you are on your own. Many of these flight schools don’t seem to care if you pass or fail while Thrust takes an active interest in the success of our students. 

THRUSTFLIGHT.COM

Located just north of Dallas, Thrust’s Addison campus is its most popular location with the highest number of students training in an area known for having the most restaurants per capita in the U.S. Its newest Conroe location is the newest addition to Thrust Flight, perfect blend for those seeking versatility in their flight training experience, with a balance of urban amenities and the freedom of open skies for optimal flight practice. Thrust Flight utilizes Galaxy FBO facilities and services in both airports. For a list of all Addison and Conroe based flight schools, click here.

Thrust Flight School Hangar & Facilities at the Conroe North Houston Regional Airport